School zones go back into effect Tuesday, Sept. 2 as kids across the region return to class. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

slow it down

‘Treat it like you’re on safari:’ local kids back in class as school zones return

Sep 2, 2025 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — After two months away, kids across the region are returning to class.

Most across the mid-Island will only be at their schools for around an hour on Tuesday, Sept. 2 with classes beginning in earnest on Wednesday.

Regardless, school zones go back into effect every school day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., limiting vehicles to 30 kilometres per hour.

“There will be much more traffic as kids return to school, and parents are on the roads, so we just ask people to be mindful of that and plan your trip accordingly,” Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Sherri Wade said. “It might take you longer than you’ve been used to in the summer.”

The minimum fine for speeding through a school zone is $196, with more severe penalties available to officers based on vehicle speed and actions.

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Drivers are also advised to stop, in both directions, for school buses when they have their lights and signs deployed.

Fines for failing to do so start at $368.

She said the excitement of returning back to class and seeing friends after the summer catches many off guard.

Kids walking or riding their bikes to school will be a common sight and Wade said both kids and drivers must be aware.

“If a child is at a crosswalk, they have the right of way. We also want people who are walking across the crosswalk to make sure that they are not on their scooter or their bike, and that they make eye contact with the person driving, because that way you know for sure you’ve been.”

Drivers also must be ready to stop at a moment’s notice, as excited kids can sometimes not follow the rules of the road.

Wade told NanaimoNewsNOW being alert and actively scanning while driving is key.

“I would treat it like you’re on safari and that they’re just going to be everywhere, so you have your head on a swivel, you are doing the speed limit. The speed limit is set so that you can respond appropriately if something happens that you weren’t expecting.”

Officers will be out monitoring key areas for speeders.

In years past, the detachment has said some of the worst offenders have been parents and caregivers leaving schools after dropping their kids off.

Wade also advised families to be familiar of their school’s typical traffic pattern and established flow of traffic to make drop off and pickup easier and safer for all.

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